This is the first entry for a new project, where I’m reflecting weekly on words from David Whyte’s book, Consolations (paid link). There are 52 words in total. It’s a way of continuing my visual journalling practice and to share a little more of myself with you.
Being solitary is always the ground from which we step into a contemplative intimacy with the unknown, but the first portal of aloneness is often experienced as a gateway to alienation, grief, and abandonment. ~ David Whyte, Consolations
An interesting word for me, since I’ve been reading lately about the experience of solitude and silence – two qualities that I crave. Not everyone does, I know. I feel most at home in solitude and silence. I rarely feel alone when by myself, being quite comfortable with my own company. The times when I’ve felt most alone have been in the company of others, not necessarily friends or family, but in large groups where I don’t feel connected to anyone.
Fog has a sense of aloneness. Walking alone on the path above, after the rain and in the fog, I felt at home.
A nice project, Kim!
Solitude and silence are where we meet ourselves in all simplicity.
This is a wonderful new project. Thank you for putting it together.